• The TUGBBS forums are completely free and open to the public and exist as the absolute best place for owners to get help and advice about their timeshares for more than 30 years!

    Join Tens of Thousands of other Owners just like you here to get any and all Timeshare questions answered 24 hours a day!
  • TUG started 30 years ago in October 1993 as a group of regular Timeshare owners just like you!

    Read about our 30th anniversary: Happy 30th Birthday TUG!
  • TUG has a YouTube Channel to produce weekly short informative videos on popular Timeshare topics!

    Free memberships for every 50 subscribers!

    Visit TUG on Youtube!
  • TUG has now saved timeshare owners more than $21,000,000 dollars just by finding us in time to rescind a new Timeshare purchase! A truly incredible milestone!

    Read more here: TUG saves owners more than $21 Million dollars
  • Sign up to get the TUG Newsletter for free!

    60,000+ subscribing owners! A weekly recap of the best Timeshare resort reviews and the most popular topics discussed by owners!
  • Our official "end my sales presentation early" T-shirts are available again! Also come with the option for a free membership extension with purchase to offset the cost!

    All T-shirt options here!
  • A few of the most common links here on the forums for newbies and guests!

Haleakala Sunrise now requires reservations.

DaveNV

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2006
Messages
22,003
Reaction score
29,217
Points
1,348
Location
Mesquite, Nevada
Resorts Owned
Free Agent
There are some logistical questions that need answering. I can understand why they think it's a good idea to regulate traffic, but how will they control it? People will pay at the entrance but say they're not going to the summit - and then do it anyway. If summit parking continues to be on a first-come basis, then it's still going to get crowded. And how will the gate keeper know who is there, and who isn't, or whether the parking places are full or not? Seems like a reasonable idea not fully-formed.

Dave
 

dougp26364

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
14,481
Reaction score
3,155
Points
698
Location
Kansas
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grand Chateau
Marriott Shadow Ridge
Marriott Ocean Pointe
Marriott Destination Club Points
Hilton Grand Vacation Club Las Vegas Blvd
Grand Colorado on Peak 8
Spinnaker French Quarter Resort Branson
There are some logistical questions that need answering. I can understand why they think it's a good idea to regulate traffic, but how will they control it? People will pay at the entrance but say they're not going to the summit - and then do it anyway. If summit parking continues to be on a first-come basis, then it's still going to get crowded. And how will the gate keeper know who is there, and who isn't, or whether the parking places are full or not? Seems like a reasonable idea not fully-formed.

Dave

With todays electronics, a simple bar code sticker or placard placed on the windshield or dashboard that can be scanned by the gate keeper would satisfy most of your concerns. It will still get crowded but, just like a full flight, if only those with the required passes are allowed in then they'll be one space for each vehicle.
 

DaveNV

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2006
Messages
22,003
Reaction score
29,217
Points
1,348
Location
Mesquite, Nevada
Resorts Owned
Free Agent
With todays electronics, a simple bar code sticker or placard placed on the windshield or dashboard that can be scanned by the gate keeper would satisfy most of your concerns. It will still get crowded but, just like a full flight, if only those with the required passes are allowed in then they'll be one space for each vehicle.

I agree there are electronic ways to indicate who did or didn't pay, but that seems like it would require a new gate or gatekeeper at the summit parking to control who gets in or out. The larger point is that virtually nobody goes to Haleakala without going to the top, so technically "everybody" will want to get in. I know I'd be very disappointed to make the long drive from the other end of the island in the middle of the night, only to find once I got to the gate that I was too late to get summit access, so I'd miss the sunrise, and all that. I'm anticipating a LOT of very angry tourists.

It will be interesting to see how they sort it out going forward. :shrug:

Dave
 

dioxide45

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
May 20, 2006
Messages
47,355
Reaction score
18,925
Points
1,299
Location
NE Florida
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grande Vista
Marriott Harbour Lake
Sheraton Vistana Villages
Club Wyndham CWA
Wouldn't anyone that is driving up at 3:00-4:00am be going for the sunrise?
 

dioxide45

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
May 20, 2006
Messages
47,355
Reaction score
18,925
Points
1,299
Location
NE Florida
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grande Vista
Marriott Harbour Lake
Sheraton Vistana Villages
Club Wyndham CWA
There are some logistical questions that need answering. I can understand why they think it's a good idea to regulate traffic, but how will they control it? People will pay at the entrance but say they're not going to the summit - and then do it anyway. If summit parking continues to be on a first-come basis, then it's still going to get crowded. And how will the gate keeper know who is there, and who isn't, or whether the parking places are full or not? Seems like a reasonable idea not fully-formed.

Dave
I would think they would only offer as many reservations as there are parking spaces, perhaps with a few extra reservations offered for those that reserve but don't show.
 

DaveNV

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2006
Messages
22,003
Reaction score
29,217
Points
1,348
Location
Mesquite, Nevada
Resorts Owned
Free Agent
I would think they would only offer as many reservations as there are parking spaces, perhaps with a few extra reservations offered for those that reserve but don't show.

I'd think so, but how many people will drive up anyway, either not knowing there is a new system, or hoping the reservationists don't show up? This will bear watching.

Dave
 

dougp26364

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
14,481
Reaction score
3,155
Points
698
Location
Kansas
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grand Chateau
Marriott Shadow Ridge
Marriott Ocean Pointe
Marriott Destination Club Points
Hilton Grand Vacation Club Las Vegas Blvd
Grand Colorado on Peak 8
Spinnaker French Quarter Resort Branson
I'd think so, but how many people will drive up anyway, either not knowing there is a new system, or hoping the reservationists don't show up? This will bear watching.

Dave

Based on human nature, I'm betting more than a few. It could create a traffic problem of a different kind. Lot's of people showing up without a reservation and having to turn around at the gate.

I'm glad we've never been excited about getting up early enough to catch the sunrise at the summit. Although with the reservation system it might be more attractive since we'd be assured of a parking spot somewhere vs trying to get their early enough to "beat" the crowd. Fortunately we're not planning on a return to Maui for at least 3 years and, by then, maybe this will be more well entrenched with fewer tourists who, just show up.

We thought about going up for the sunset on our last trip but, even that was more effort than we wanted to exert on vacation. I recall sitting at the airport and seeing the very long line of traffic coming down the mountain (I assume that's what the huge line was going up what appeared to be a steep incline) and thinking, man I'm glad we decided against going up for the sunset.
 

DaveNV

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2006
Messages
22,003
Reaction score
29,217
Points
1,348
Location
Mesquite, Nevada
Resorts Owned
Free Agent
I'm glad we've never been excited about getting up early enough to catch the sunrise at the summit.

The trick to it, as I saw right here on Tug, is to do the sunrise the morning after you arrive on Maui. Your internal clock will still be on Mainland Time, so you'll be ready to get up early. Make the drive up the mountain, enjoy the heck out of the sunrise, and then head back down for the balance of your vacation. The rest of the nights you're there you won't have to worry about it, and it's something you can check off the bucket list. We did that on our last trip, and it worked like a charm.

Of course, there is also something to be said for taking off the wristwatch and turning off the alarm clock, and just relaxing your way through things. Hawaiian time... ;)

Dave
 

dougp26364

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
14,481
Reaction score
3,155
Points
698
Location
Kansas
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grand Chateau
Marriott Shadow Ridge
Marriott Ocean Pointe
Marriott Destination Club Points
Hilton Grand Vacation Club Las Vegas Blvd
Grand Colorado on Peak 8
Spinnaker French Quarter Resort Branson
The trick to it, as I saw right here on Tug, is to do the sunrise the morning after you arrive on Maui. Your internal clock will still be on Mainland Time, so you'll be ready to get up early. Make the drive up the mountain, enjoy the heck out of the sunrise, and then head back down for the balance of your vacation. The rest of the nights you're there you won't have to worry about it, and it's something you can check off the bucket list. We did that on our last trip, and it worked like a charm.

Of course, there is also something to be said for taking off the wristwatch and turning off the alarm clock, and just relaxing your way through things. Hawaiian time... ;)

Dave

To this point we've never had a problem sleeping right through the sunrise the first morning after we've arrived. ;) It's usually an 18 hour trip with a very early morning wake up call to catch our first flight so, when we arrive around 8 or 9 PM, we drop our bags and head straight for bed, sleeping a good 8 to 10 hours before rising.
 

thinze3

Tug Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2007
Messages
6,364
Reaction score
37
Points
483
Location
Houston, TX
Last edited:

easyrider

TUG Review Crew: Elite
TUG Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2005
Messages
15,044
Reaction score
8,001
Points
948
Location
Palm Springs of Washinton
Resorts Owned
Worldmark * * Villa Del Palmar UVCI * * Vacation Internationale*
I doubt that I will head to the summit again but I liked sunset better for a few reasons. Mostly because it wasn't as cold and I didn't need to wake up at 3am to get there.

Bill
 

buzglyd

TUG Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2013
Messages
3,697
Reaction score
2,187
Points
449
Location
Carlsbad, CA
Resorts Owned
HGV Lagoon Tower
HGV Carlsbad Seapointe
Gaslamp Plaza Suites
SVV Bella
I did it once and won't ever do it again.

It is really one of the most overrated activities I've ever done and the 3 am wake up call isn't that fun either.
 

DaveNV

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2006
Messages
22,003
Reaction score
29,217
Points
1,348
Location
Mesquite, Nevada
Resorts Owned
Free Agent
I did it once and won't ever do it again.

It is really one of the most overrated activities I've ever done and the 3 am wake up call isn't that fun either.


My guess is you aren't married to a photography nut. I had no choice - I'm the driver. And I do what I'm told. LOL! :)

Dave
 

Luanne

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
19,353
Reaction score
10,185
Points
1,198
Location
New Mexico
Resorts Owned
Maui Lea at Maui Hill
San Diego Country Estates
We own on Maui and have since 1986. We've never been to Haleakala at sunrise. In fact, I've never been to the summit at all. I flew over it in a helicopter, but that's the closest I've gotten. Maybe it's remarkable and I've really missed something, but I think I can live. :)
 

dougp26364

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
14,481
Reaction score
3,155
Points
698
Location
Kansas
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grand Chateau
Marriott Shadow Ridge
Marriott Ocean Pointe
Marriott Destination Club Points
Hilton Grand Vacation Club Las Vegas Blvd
Grand Colorado on Peak 8
Spinnaker French Quarter Resort Branson
We own on Maui and have since 1986. We've never been to Haleakala at sunrise. In fact, I've never been to the summit at all. I flew over it in a helicopter, but that's the closest I've gotten. Maybe it's remarkable and I've really missed something, but I think I can live. :)

The summit is surreal. You really should drive up to see it, even if it's just the one time, regardless of whether it's in the middle of the day or for the sunrise or sunset.
 

taffy19

newbie
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
5,723
Reaction score
593
Points
398
The summit is surreal. You really should drive up to see it, even if it's just the one time, regardless of whether it's in the middle of the day or for the sunrise or sunset.
I agree with Doug. We drive up almost every year at least once. Go before noon which is a perfect time to see many colors in the crater and shadows too from the easy trails in both parking lots if there is sun that day.

We only did it once with a tour at sunrise but it was bitter cold that day nor spectacular either but we have spoken with several couples who did it when it was spectacular and they showed us their photo images on their phone. They were really excited about the sunrise experience.

We often have gone at sunset but I prefer to see the crater before noon to make nicer pictures. We love the beaches but the up country is beautiful too even in the mist. We have some great pictures of that too. I hope that you will go and see it, Terry. :cool:
 

Luanne

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
19,353
Reaction score
10,185
Points
1,198
Location
New Mexico
Resorts Owned
Maui Lea at Maui Hill
San Diego Country Estates
We'll be going back for two weeks in March, 2017. Maybe we'll wander up to the crater, mid-day, on this trip. :)
 

dioxide45

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
May 20, 2006
Messages
47,355
Reaction score
18,925
Points
1,299
Location
NE Florida
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grande Vista
Marriott Harbour Lake
Sheraton Vistana Villages
Club Wyndham CWA
The summit is surreal. You really should drive up to see it, even if it's just the one time, regardless of whether it's in the middle of the day or for the sunrise or sunset.
I would agree. We did it in 2000 on our honeymoon and it was fantastic. Definitly worth the trip. I would probably do Haleakala again before I did the road to Hana again.
 

dori47

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2009
Messages
92
Reaction score
24
Points
368
Location
Vancouver Island
Resorts Owned
Maui Beach Vacation Club
WorldMark
Been there, done that. Not sure why everyone thinks it is so wonderful. Have seen many better sunrises and in much warmer weather. It is one of those activities though that everyone does, so I can at least say I have done it. We do go up every time we visit, but after seeing one bitterly cold sunrise, probably won't do the sunrise again. I looked at the article, and it seems easy to just not let anyone past the gate who doesn't have a reservation , but they better post the information clearly so as not to create a traffic jam of very angry and sleepy people trying to turn around and go back down
 
Top